Reflecting on DL Coach Al Davis' Accomplishments with Mizzou - The Extra Point

A look back at the success Missouri's defensive tackle room saw under Al Davis, who recently resigned from his position.

March 15, 2025: Missouri Tigers defensive line coach Al Davis speaks at a press conference after a spring practice at Faurot Field. | Joey Van Zummeren / Missouri On SI

Watch the video below as Mizzou football reporter Joey Van Zummeren gives his thoughts on what Missouri is losing with defensive line coach Al Davis announcing his resignation.

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Al Davis, one of the Missouri Tigers' four longest-tenured assistants announced he'd be resigning from his position over the weekend. The fomer defensive line coach is the second Missouri asssistant defensive coach to leave the program this season, with former linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator D.J. Smith accepting the defensive coordinator job at Appalachian State.

Over his four years with the position, Davis has consistently led the group to success on the field, and off it by the recruiting of high school prospects and transfer portal players.

The 2024 defensive tackle group was a mosaic of the different avenues of success for Davis. Missouri consistently rotated through five defensive tackles, three of which were acquired through the transfer portal, and two who had spent two years developing under the mentorship of Davis.

“We feel really good about the depth and the quality of depth that we have and the ability to keep guys fresh," Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz said of the 2024 group in a press conference. "We just don't see a drop off."

Replacing Davis will be David Blackwell, who assisted Davis with defensive tackles in 2024 and has previously been a defensive coordinator at four different schools.